Binary eutectic in-class exercise (Di-An)

Allen Glazner
,
Univ. of North Carolina


Summary

In this activity students work through a binary eutectic phase diagram in small groups and try to determine a set of generalizations that explain the behavior of such systems (e.g., "the first liquid produced upon heating is always the eutectic composition").

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Context

Audience

This activity would be used in an undergraduate (sophomore or junior level) required course in petrology.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

Students should have an understanding of how to read phase diagrams.

How the activity is situated in the course

This is a stand-alone exercise.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

This activity strengthens a student's ability to read and use phase diagrams.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

This activity involves the analysis of data.

Other skills goals for this activity

This activity may involve group work.

Description of the activity/assignment

In this activity students work through a binary eutectic phase diagram in small groups and try to determine a set of generalizations that explain the behavior of such systems (e.g., "the first liquid produced upon heating is always the eutectic composition").

Determining whether students have met the goals

Students have met the goals of this activity if they thoroughly and accurately answer the questions provided in the activity download (see below).

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Teaching materials and tips

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